Overview: Many homes today have book collections, if not a sizable library of professional books and journals. It is not uncommon for homeowners to have dozens if not hundreds of books, either scattered around the house or on organized shelves. Unfortunately many of these books become damaged because the owners do not take care of them.

Frequently they are stacked on the floor or stored away in boxes in the attic or basement (the worst possible place) rather than on display in the den or reading room.

The books we read and keep are really an extension of our personality and should be cared for so they can be enjoyed over and over again or preserved for someone else to enjoy in the future. Library books, personal or public are treasures that should be valued and care for by everyone that uses them.

Basic Library Book Care:

Avoid heat and moisture:

Ø Both hardback and paperback books fare best in a dry room at a normal room temperature environment. If the room is too humid such as most basement rooms, the books will mildew very quickly.

Avoid direct sunlight:

Ø Prevent the gorgeous colors of your book covers from fading by keeping them away from windows where there is direct sunlight.

Create adequate shelf space without cramming the books together:

Ø When placing books on shelves be sure the tallest of the spines have enough headroom to stand up straight. Forcing paperbacks into too-small shelves will bend the books and strain their spines.

Dust shelving and books frequently:

Ø Your book collection contains lots of nooks and crannies and won’t move much over time, so be sure to dust the spines and tops of your books often.

Book shelf indexing and storage:

Ø Whether you index your books by author or aesthetics, forget the rules and organize your books in a way that works best for you. The best way is to organize them in such a way that you can find a favorite title when you want to. Nothing can be more frustrating than not being able to find a book that you know you have.

Alphabetically is old-fashioned but always in style. Line up your books alphabetically by author’s last name. Disregard book size or color.
Alphabetically by subject such as, economics, history, travel, etc.
Chronologically by date and year you read them.

Book lending:

Ø Be careful who you lend books to. The borrower may not have the same regard for books as you do. Tell them up front to use book markers rather than ear marking pages. And ask them to take care and not spill things on the books. Once they realize that you value your books they will take the care you wish them to. If a borrower abuses a book do not lend to them again.

If you take proper book care of your books they will last for decades for you reading pleasure. As most book lovers know a good book is a treasure in itself.

Arranging and Decorating Bookcases

Refinishing Wood Bookcase Shelves